. >> to have served as a united states ambassador is the highest honor and for a lawyer to engage in that type of public service and to have made a career in public service, that is what the profession is about at its best. >> reporter: now the professor i spoke with by phone is with the center for middle eastern studies for berkeley. the two were communicating by e-mail about the future and possible academic center in libya. she could not believe it. he was steeped in the region and spoke arabic. she calls him a true intellectual and brilliant man. reporting live, christie smith, nbc bay area news. >> president obama spoke this morning over the attacks in libya and cairo. >> the world remains a dangerous place. the american leadership is still sorely needed. in the face of the violence, america cannot shrink from the responsibility to lead. >> mr. romney is facing criticism for his comments which came even before the president spoke on this issue this morning. many critics say he should have waited to comment until the white house had made an official statement. others were critical